Alternator or not?

[vtwinsideways]

Working on the wife's '41 PU resto and I am contemplating the purchase of a stock appearing alternator. Still planning on running 6v pos ground. I've always been told that alternators are safer/more reliable and I guess that's why I'm thinking about it. I know this may be a can of worms, but does anyone have any experience (or opinions for that matter) on alternator vs generator? Pro's and con's of each? Thanks for your time and info. Luke

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[Tinker]

I think it's not whether the gen or alternator is safer. It's the ammeter vs volt meter that is suspect. At least with model a's


Nothing wrong with a generator. I like them. An alternator will put give out amps if needed. Hence the gauge.


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5896


A system is dependent on amps. Not voltage necessary. A light only draws amps needed when on. If you add a car stereo.... it'll draw more amps (ammeter)... Depends on what you want to do. Both are "safe"...



.

[flatheadmurre]

If you are keeping the 6v system i would keep the generator...for way less then what that alternator costs your local startershop will check and refurbish what you have and you will be good to go.

[Lawrie]

On our 33 we have the original gen,we do lots of long trips in it,over the years the only problem that has occurred is a loose wire or two .both an easy fix on the roadside.
Lawrie

[Ray Balukas]

Had my gen. made into an Alternator by the Gener-nator Don Allen. Love it

[philipswanson]

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How much?

[vtwinsideways]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

How much?

$390 at Speedway for the repop.

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[flatjack9]

Got over 60,000 miles on my 39 with a generator. Haven't touched it.

[vtwinsideways]

Originally Posted by flatjack9

Got over 60,000 miles on my 39 with a generator. Haven't touched it.

Longevity is definitely one of my concerns, as we are planning to drive it regular and often. Thanks for your response.

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[tubman]

I have put over 20,000 more miles on the generator on my '51, which I believe is the original (the car has just a bit over 80,000 from new). That was over a period of 33 years. I suppose I should start suspecting something soon, but so far so good. Since I started using Optima batteries, I have never had a problem.

[flatheadmurre]

The generators usually complain loudly when they need a bit of maintenance.
The weak part today is the aftermarket regulators that are between maybe...and just garbage...I just grabbed a bunch of OEM regulators cause thoose i can work on...

[Ken/Alabama]

Just my opinion, I think that Powergen is a very expensive piece of crap . Stick with the generator .

[Floyd]

A 6 volt generator in documented good shape, bearings, brushes, etc coupled with a good regulator (not some new piece of junk) and clean,clean,clean and tight connections will give you all the reliability and service for thousands and thousands of miles. Converting to something else has inherent issues not backed up by millions of trouble free applications. Alternators may need smaller pulleys for more speed, can overheat when enclosed in a fake housing, etc. . If you need a 100+ amps of power for your electrical/electronic needs, you have the wrong car.
My opinion- 6 Volt stock; 32 and 40, both run perfectly.

[vtwinsideways]

Originally Posted by Floyd

A 6 volt generator in documented good shape, bearings, brushes, etc coupled with a good regulator (not some new piece of junk) and clean,clean,clean and tight connections will give you all the reliability and service for thousands and thousands of miles. Converting to something else has inherent issues not backed up by millions of trouble free applications. Alternators may need smaller pulleys for more speed, can overheat when enclosed in a fake housing, etc. . If you need a 100+ amps of power for your electrical/electronic needs, you have the wrong car.
My opinion- 6 Volt stock; 32 and 40, both run perfectly.

Calm down there buddy I'm not even planning on running a radio.

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[JayChicago]

Originally Posted by vtwinsideways

Calm down there buddy I'm not even planning on running a radio.

Then why go thru adding something you don't need, unless you just want a new project to keep you busy. "If it ain't broke, ........."

[vtwinsideways]

Originally Posted by JayChicago

Then why go thru adding something you don't need, unless you just want a new project to keep you busy. "If it ain't broke, ........."

As I said I have been lead to believe that alternators are safer and more reliable (by car guys in general and friends who have experienced electrical fires and cooked batteries) and I wasn't sure so I thought I'd ask folks who have actual experience with flatheads and generators and alternators. I'm asking for experienced opinions, not a fight.

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[Roger/Sacramento]

I converted to 12V and used a later model generator. It puts out enough to run bright lights at night or run the fan during the day.

[JayChicago]

Originally Posted by vtwinsideways

As I said I have been lead to believe that alternators are safer and more reliable (by car guys in general and friends who have experienced electrical fires and cooked batteries) and I wasn't sure so I thought I'd ask folks who have actual experience with flatheads and generators and alternators. I'm asking for experienced opinions, not a fight.

I apologize. My post should not have sounded so smug. Never anything wrong with asking others for advise and opinions.

[wga]

No issues with an alternator on my 49 wagon, built by https://www.ejwhitneyco.com/automotive.html complete with a brand new fake housing!
Thousands of miles without any 'inherent issues'.
Powergen is an all new manufactured product - no fake housings. Overheating?

[aussie merc]

generators work fine if they are maintained correctly and thats minimal; oil in the lube cup and belt tension if its stock leave it alone if you want to start adding extras lights radio coolingfans etc you may need to go to an alternator if not why add the expense